Snow vehicle

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snow vehicle, comprising an engine mounted on a frame, a drive track, a drive train operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track, and exhaust system. The exhaust system is positioned within an interior of the frame of the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED TO APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/586,559, filed on Nov. 14, 2017 and which application is incorporatedherein by reference. A claim of priority is made.

BACKGROUND

In addition to traditional snowmobiles, an alternative snow vehicle isthe snow bike or snow cycle. These vehicles are generally smaller andlighter than snowmobiles. Snow cycle designs are typically based uponoff-road motorcycles with the front wheel replaced by a ski and the rearwheel replaced by an endless loop traction belt, commonly called atrack. Snow bikes typically have a single steering ski and a relativelynarrow track located behind and in line with the single ski.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snow vehicle,comprising an engine mounted on a frame, a drive track, a drive trainoperatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track fordelivering propulsive power to the drive track, and exhaust system. Theexhaust system is positioned within an interior of the frame of thevehicle.

Embodiments relate to a snow vehicle, comprising an engine mounted on aframe, a drive track, a drive train operatively interconnecting theengine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drivetrack, and an engine air intake system, positioned above the engine. Theair intake system includes a rearward positioned air intake port.

Embodiments also relate to a snow vehicle, comprising an engine mountedon a frame, a drive track, a drive train operatively interconnecting theengine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drivetrack, an engine air intake system positioned above the engine, and anexhaust system positioned within an interior of the frame of thevehicle. The air intake system includes a rearwardly facing air intakeport; and wherein the drive train includes a CVT.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

This written disclosure describes illustrative embodiments that arenon-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to illustrativeembodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view 100 of a snow vehicle, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view 100 of a snow vehicle with airintake system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial top-down view 300 of a snow vehicle withair intake system (engine removed), according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial top-down view 300 of a snow vehicle withair intake system, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-D illustrate perspective views 500 of an air intake system,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial side view 600 of a snow vehicle with airintake system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view 700 of a snow vehicle, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view 100 of a snow vehicle with engineremoved, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view 700 of a snow vehicle with engineremoved, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top-down view 1000 of a snow vehicle with coolingsystem, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate perspective views 1100 of power train components,according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-D illustrate perspective views 1200 of power train components,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view 13 of a continuously variabletransmission (CVT) housing with air handling components and drop box,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view 1400 of a cooling system,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view 700 of a snow vehicle with engineremoved and with a cooling system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top-down view 1000 of a snow vehicle tunnelshroud, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view 100 of a snow vehicle withtwo-ski configuration, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view 700 of a snow vehicle with two-skiconfiguration, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a top-down view 1000 of a snow vehicle with two-skiconfiguration, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 20A-C illustrate user or rider positioning in a dirt bike and in asnow vehicle, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Snow vehicles, such as snow bikes, are often created as modifications orkits of off-road motorcycles or dirt bikes. The front wheel istemporarily replaced by a ski and the rear wheel by a power track forgripping snow and ice. Such vehicles exceed noise and safety regulationsand are therefore often restricted to use on closed courses. In snowvehicle applications, reducing the weight of individual components andoverall vehicle weight, without sacrificing durability, function orutility, is an ongoing goal in product design. A lighter vehicle canincrease performance and handling, among other characteristics.Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a purpose-built snowvehicle with numerous advantages over current snow vehicles and snowbike kits. Embodiments herein describe a snow vehicle utilizing acontinuously variable transmission (CVT) with an air handling system.The snow vehicle includes an exhaust system positioned entirely withinthe chassis and tunnel of the vehicle, to prevent any contact with auser or their clothing. The snow vehicle further includes a lower centerof gravity in the positioning of the vehicle components within thepurpose-built frame. The engine is positioned lower and forward, andadditional weight, such as one or more gas tanks are further positionedto create the optimal center of gravity for handling and balance.

Embodiments herein describe a dropped fork component that creates alower weight of the vehicle and additional adjustment of the handlebars.An engine air handling system provides a rear facing air intake for theengine. The purpose-built chassis or frame allows for greater spaceutilization and a lower center of gravity of the vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view 100 of a snow vehicle is shown,according to some embodiments. A chassis or frame 104 supports an engine116, drive train components, a drive track 106, handlebars 102 and oneor more skis 112. The chassis includes a seat frame 108, lower frontframe component 105, and integrated bumper 109. Exhaust system 118connects to muffler 120. The chassis 104 connects to a fork 110, incontact with the one or more skis 112. A drop fork component 114connects the fork 110 and handlebars 102. Fuel tank 124 is positionedbeneath the exhaust system 118 and seat frame 108. Tunnel shroud 122 ispositioned in contact with the chassis 104 and above the drive track106. The track width can be about 10 inches to about 12 inches, about 12inches to about 13 inches, about 12.5 inches, about 13.5 inches, orabout 14 inches wide. A foot peg attachment 119 can be positioned nearan exterior surface. Examples of drive track 106 and other embodimentscan be found in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,321,509, filed on Dec. 17, 2013with first named inventor Andrew Beavis and entitled “Snowmobile SkidFrame Assembly”, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

In some embodiments, the exhaust system 118 is positioned completelywithin the tunnel and frame 104 of the vehicle. By rotating the positionof the engine 116 one hundred eighty degrees from a typical snowmobileor motorcycle configuration, the exhaust port faces a rearwarddirection. The exhaust system 118 can then be contained in asubstantially linear configuration towards the rear of the vehicle andinto a muffler 120. The muffler 120 can also be contained within aninterior of the frame 104. The exhaust then exits the rear of thevehicle. By positioning the exhaust system 118 completely within theframe 104 and tunnel of the vehicle, a user is protected from incidentalcontact on the hot surface of the exhaust system 118. A partial top-downview of a snow vehicle is shown in FIG. 3, in which exhaust system 118runs within the width of the frame 104.

FIG. 2 additionally shows engine air intake system 202, according tosome embodiments. The air intake system 202 is positioned above themotor and can be attached to frame 104 or integrated with the frame 104.Shown in FIGS. 3-4 in a partial top-down view 300, the air handlingsystem 202 encloses the frame 104 as the tube chassis runs through thebox and supports its efficient placement and space utilization. The airhandling system 202 can alternatively be positioned under the frame 104.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-D, perspective views 500 of the air intake system202 components are shown, according to some embodiments. The air box 206collects and funnels air as the vehicle moves. The size and position ofthe air box allows for a sufficient volume of air to be collected andmove through the system 202 to the engine. Once collected in box 206,the air then travels through channel component 204 to the engine 116(see view 600 of FIG. 6). Frame channels 208 can be positioned or formedon an interior or exterior surface for attachment or integration withthe frame 104.

Referring to FIG. 7, a side view 700 of a snow vehicle is shown,according to some embodiments. The frame 104 can be comprised of a tubechassis that maximizes the position of vehicle components for spaceutilization and weight reduction. As the snow vehicle is not a kit formotorcycles, the engine 116 can be positioned much lower and forward asany consideration for the position of a wheel is not needed. The lowerfront frame component 105 can be much closer to fork 110 than intraditional snow bike configurations. A traditional motorcycle user orrider posture is show in FIG. 20A. The ergonomic position E1 is shownbetween foot peg, seat and handlebars. The angle A1 may be between about27-30 degrees. D1 distance is about 29 inches in this example. D2 isabout 48 inches and D3 about 3.2 inches. In one embodiment of the snowvehicle of the present disclosure (see FIG. 20B), a similar ergonomicposition E1 is achieved. Hence, the rider or user is positioned in asimilar manner with a user of a dirt bike. This differentiates from theposition of a traditional snowmobile. In FIG. 20B, angle A1 can be about24 to about 30 degrees, about 26 to about 28 degrees, or about 26.5 toabout 27.5 degrees. D1 distance can be about 65 inches to about 100inches. D1 can be about 75 inches to about 90 inches, or about 80 inchesto about 90 inches for example. D6 can be about 20 inches to about 30inches, about 22 inches to about 28 inches, or about 24 to about 26inches. D4 can be about 15 inches to about 24 inches, about 17 inches toabout 22 inches, or about 18 to about 20 inches. D5 can be about 28inches to about 42 inches, about 32 inches to about 38 inches or about34 inches to about 36 inches. D7 measures the distance between foot pegand track/drive shaft. Embodiments of the present invention allow for asmaller distance between the two components, as the engine 116 ispositioned more forward. The track/drive shaft can even be positionedmore forward than the foot peg. In motorcycles and snow kits ofmotorcycles, the track/drive shaft is typically about 6 to about 8inches behind the foot peg (see D7 of FIG. 20C.). In FIG. 20B, thedistance D7 can be about zero inches to about 1 inch positive (foot pegahead of the drive shaft), or about zero inches to about 1 inch negative(drive shaft ahead of the foot peg), about 2 inches positive to about 2inches negative, about 3 inches positive to about 3 inches negative, orabout 4 inches positive to about 4 inches negative.

Additionally, the frame 104 includes integrated or attached bumper 109.If attached, the bumper 109 can be bolted, welded, or otherwisefastened. If integrated, the bumper 109 can be of a continuousconstruction with the frame 104. The bumper 109 can connect to theshroud 122 or be separated from shroud 122. The bumper 109 canoptionally support the shroud 122 at one or more connection points. Asthe bumper 109 is part of frame 104 or connected to frame 104, the needfor a structural tunnel shroud is removed as the bumper does not need toconnect to the tunnel shroud. Current shroud 122 can be made of plasticor lightweight aluminum to further reduce weight of the vehicle. Theplacement of the engine 116 in a forward and lower configurationadvantageously moves the center of gravity of the vehicle in a lowerposition. The position of the one or more fuel tanks 124 furthersupports the lower center of gravity.

Because the frame 104 is purpose-built to for this vehicle, the size andlength of the fork 110 can be reduced. The frame 104 can connect withfork 110 at a lower position. The connection between frame 104 and fork110 can be gusset bracket 117. The gusset bracket 117 can transfer anddistribute load throughout the frame 104. A drop fork component 114 canthen be utilized to connect the fork 110 and handlebars 102. The dropfork component 114 is lighter than any corresponding length of fork 110and can further be utilized for fore and aft handlebar adjustment androtational adjustment for the user. The drop fork component 114 caninclude support components 115, such as a cross brace. The drop forkcomponent 114 can be manufactured of light weight, but durablematerials, such as aluminum for example. The length of the drop forkcomponent 114 can be about 8 inches, about 10 inches, or about 12inches. The length of the drop fork component 114 can be about 6 inchesto about 12 inches. The fork 110 can also include suspension components,such as dampeners, springs, coils, etc. The front suspension can betelescoping compression dampening component or rebound dampeningcomponent, for example.

Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view 100 of a snow vehicle withengine 116 removed and with cooling system 800 is shown, according tosome embodiments. With the engine 116 removed from view, the coolingsystem 800 can be seen. The cooling lines 802 connect to the engine 116,and a pump (not shown) moves coolant to heat exchanger 1002 (see view1400 of FIG. 14). The tunnel shroud 122 (see top view 1000 of FIG. 16)covers the heat exchanger 1002 (see view 700 of FIG. 15 and top view1000 of FIG. 10) and deflects snow onto the exchanger 1002 to assist incooling the liquid coolant (see view 700 of FIG. 9). As discussed above,the tunnel shroud 122 can be manufactured of light weight materials,such as plastic or aluminum as the need for structural support has beenremoved by integrating such function into frame 104. The shroud 122 canbe vacuum formed, molded, or shaped into various shapes orconfigurations for snow deflection functionality and aestheticconsiderations.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-B, 12A-D perspective views 1100, 1200 of powertrain components are shown, according to some embodiments. The drivetrain of the snow vehicle includes a continuously variable transmission(CVT), for transferring power from the engine 116 to the drive track106. The use of an automatic transmission makes for a smoother userexperience and handling as compared to manual transmission. An engine116 converts chemical energy to mechanical energy via a rotating inputshaft in contact with a transmission or drive train, such as a CVT. TheCVT housing 1112 includes a rotatable drive (or primary) clutchconnected to the input shaft. The CVT also includes a rotatable driven(or secondary) clutch connected to an output shaft or jack shaft 1108,the driven clutch having a laterally stationary sheave and a laterallymovable sheave that is normally biased toward the stationary sheave. Anendless flexible drive belt is disposed about the drive and drivenclutches. Typically, the CVT transmission is connected to the outputshaft 1108 of the vehicle's engine, the transmission providingcontinuously variable gear reduction from the relatively higher rotationspeed of the engine to the relatively lower rotation speed of thevehicle drive axle. The CVT 1112 is used in conjunction with orintegrated with a gear or drop box 1302 (see view 1300 of FIG. 13), forcorrecting the rotation of the output shaft 1108 due to the position ofthe engine. The drop box 1302 can include two or more gears 1304. TheCVT housing 1112 with drop box 1302 is connected to the jack shaft 1108.Power is transferred via a belt 1110 from the jack shaft 1108 todriveshaft 1106, connected by suitable linkages (sprockets 1116, forexample) to the drive track 106.

The endless, flexible, generally V-shaped drive belt is disposed aboutthe clutches within housing 1112. Each of the clutches has a pair ofcomplementary sheaves, one of the sheaves being laterally movable withrespect to the other. The effective gear ratio of the transmission isdetermined by the positions of the movable sheaves in each of theclutches. The secondary driven clutch has its sheaves normally biasedtogether (e.g., by a torsion spring working in combination with ahelix-type cam, as described below), so that when the engine is at idlespeeds the drive belt rides near the outer perimeter of the drivenclutch sheaves.

The spacing of the sheaves in the primary drive clutch usually iscontrolled by centrifugal flyweights As the drive clutch rotates faster(in response to increased engine rpm) the flyweights urge the movablesheave toward the stationary sheave. This pinches the drive belt,causing the belt to begin rotating with the drive clutch, the belt inturn causing the driven clutch to begin to rotate. Further movement ofthe drive clutch's movable sheave toward the stationary sheave forcesthe belt to climb outwardly on the drive clutch sheaves, increasing theeffective diameter of the drive belt path around the drive clutch. Thus,the spacing of the sheaves in the drive clutch changes based on enginerpm. The clutch therefore can be said to be speed sensitive.

As the sheaves of the drive clutch pinch the drive belt and force thebelt to climb outwardly on the drive clutch sheaves, the belt (not beingstretchable) is pulled inwardly between the sheaves of the drivenclutch, decreasing the effective diameter of the drive belt path aroundthe driven clutch. This movement of the belt inwardly and outwardly onthe drive and driven clutches smoothly changes the effective gear ratioof the transmission in infinitely variable increments.

The CVT housing 1112 includes air handling components (e.g., ducting) tocool the operation of the CVT. Intake 1102 brings air into the housingand exit port 1104 releases the heated air from the housing 1112. Theintake 1102 can face a perpendicular direction to vehicle travel, face aparallel direction to vehicle travel, or face angles in betweenperpendicular and parallel vehicle travel, so long as sufficient air isgathered and moved through the handling system to cool the CVT.

In the present example, the engine 1116 is shown with a single,two-stroke cylinder 1114. The single cylinder, two-stroke engineprovides durability, simplicity, and lighter weight to the vehicle.Four-stroke engines and multi-cylinder two-stroke engines can also beused, but at the possible sacrifice of weight and size.

Referring to FIG. 17, a perspective view 100 of a snow vehicle with atwo-ski configuration is shown, according to some embodiments. In placeof a motorcycle-type fork, a single tube fork connection andaccompanying suspension can be utilized to provide a two-skiconfiguration as an optional kit in place of the single skiconfiguration. A side view 700 (see FIG. 18) and top down view 1000 (seeFIG. 19) are also shown. The two-ski configuration would allow for asnow bike feel, with increased stability and balance.

A front suspension subframe assembly 1708 connects with the frame 104.Steering mechanism 1702 connects with the handlebars 102 and steeringshaft 1710, positioned within each spindle 1712. The spindle 1712connects with each ski 112. A trailing arm 1706 connects with the frameand each spindle 1712. Radius arms 1704 connect with the spindles 1712and subframe assembly 1708. Dampening components, such as shocks,springs, coils (not shown), can be attached to the subframe assembly1708 and spindles 1712, for example.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure are possible. Although thedescription above contains much specificity, these should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations orsub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodimentsmay be made and still fall within the scope of this disclosure. Itshould be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosedembodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in orderto form various embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the scope of atleast some of the present disclosure should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described above.

Thus, the scope of this disclosure should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciatedthat the scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses otherembodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, andthat the scope of the present disclosure is accordingly to be limited bynothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an elementin the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unlessexplicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural,chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinaryskill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and areintended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is notnecessary for a device or method to address each and every problemsought to be solved by the present disclosure, for it to be encompassedby the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or methodstep in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the publicregardless of whether the element, component, or method step isexplicitly recited in the claims.

The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments of thedisclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the precise embodiments, and obviously many modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exampleembodiments, as described above, were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the disclosure and its practicalapplication to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications asare suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that thescope of the disclosure be defined by the claims appended hereto

Various examples have been described. These and other examples arewithin the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A snow vehicle, comprising: an engine, mounted ona frame; a drive track; a drive train, operatively interconnecting theengine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drivetrack; an exhaust system; and wherein the drive train includes acontinuously variable transmission (CVT) positioned within a CVThousing.
 2. The snow vehicle of claim 1, wherein the CVT housingincludes an air handling system for cooling the CVT.
 3. The snow vehicleof claim
 2. wherein the air handling system comprises an air intake andair exit port.
 4. The snow vehicle of claim 1, wherein the exhaustsystem is positioned within an interior of the frame of the vehicle. 5.The snow vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a muffler in contactwith the exhaust system.
 6. The snow vehicle of claim 5, wherein themuffler is positioned within an interior of the frame.
 7. The snowvehicle of claim 1, further comprising an air intake system, in contactwith the engine.
 8. The snow vehicle of claim 7, wherein the air intakesystem is rear facing.
 9. The snow vehicle of claim 7, wherein the airintake system is positioned on top of the engine and in contact with theframe.
 10. The snow vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an enginecooling system.
 11. The snow vehicle of claim 10, further comprising aheat exchanger positioned above the drive track.
 12. The snow vehicle ofclaim 10, further comprising a shroud, positioned above the coolingsystem.
 13. A snow vehicle, comprising: an engine, mounted on a frame; adrive track; a drive train, operatively interconnecting the engine withthe drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track; andan engine air intake system, positioned above the engine; wherein theair intake system includes a rearward positioned air intake port. 14.The snow vehicle of claim
 13. wherein the air handling system comprisesan air intake and air exit port.
 15. The snow vehicle of claim 13,further comprising a muffler in contact with the exhaust system.
 16. Thesnow vehicle of claim 15, wherein the muffler is positioned within aninterior of the frame.
 17. The snow vehicle of claim 13, furthercomprising an exhaust system positioned with an interior of the frame.18. The snow vehicle of claim 13, wherein the air intake system is rearfacing.
 19. The snow vehicle of claim 13, wherein the air intake systemis positioned on top of the engine and in contact with the frame. 20.The snow vehicle of claim 13, further comprising an engine coolingsystem.
 21. The snow vehicle of claim 20, further comprising a heatexchanger positioned above the drive track.
 22. A snow vehicle,comprising: an engine, mounted on a frame; a drive track; a drive train,operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track fordelivering propulsive power to the drive track; an engine air intakesystem, positioned above the engine; and an exhaust system, positionedwithin an interior of the frame of the vehicle; wherein the air intakesystem includes a rearwardly facing air intake port; and wherein thedrive train includes a CVT.